UAB Blazers

Are part of Conference USA, were established in 1969, and their home arena is the Bartow Arena, University of Alabama at Birmingham in Birmingham, Alabama.

Intriguing Facts About the UAB Blazers

The UAB men’s basketball team, established in 1978, achieved an extraordinary milestone by reaching the NCAA tournament just three years after its formation, showcasing an impressive ascent in collegiate basketball.
Demonstrating consistent performance, the Blazers have participated in 15 NCAA men’s basketball tournaments and made 12 appearances in the National Invitational Tournament, illustrating their persistent competitiveness at the highest levels of college basketball.
The Blazers’ winning percentage ranks them 30th among all NCAA Division I basketball programs with at least 40 seasons, reflecting a legacy of success and resilience.
UAB has triumphed over many of basketball’s most storied programs, including Kentucky, North Carolina, Indiana, Louisville, Kansas, and Arizona, cementing its reputation as a giant-killer in the college basketball arena.
The team plays its home games at the Bartow Arena, named after their legendary coach Gene Bartow, creating a lasting legacy and a vibrant atmosphere that embodies the spirit of UAB basketball.

The Historical Tapestry of the UAB Blazers

The Blazers’ journey began with the ambitious vision of Coach Gene Bartow, who left a prestigious position at UCLA to establish the UAB basketball program. Dubbed the “Father of UAB athletics,” Bartow’s leadership and strategic insight quickly brought the team to prominence. Under his guidance, the Blazers not only achieved early success but also sustained it, becoming a mainstay in NCAA basketball. The early years were marked by rapid growth, as the team consistently outperformed expectations and established a culture of excellence that has become synonymous with UAB basketball.

The Golden Era – The Gene Bartow Legacy

Under Coach Gene Bartow, UAB experienced a golden era of unparalleled success. Bartow’s coaching philosophy, centered around discipline, hard work, and team unity, became the cornerstone of the Blazers’ success. This period saw the emergence of star players like guard Steve Mitchell, who became a symbol of the Blazers’ excellence, setting scoring records and leading the team to numerous victories. The Blazers reached the Elite Eight once and the Sweet Sixteen three times under Bartow’s tenure, milestones that stand as testaments to his impactful leadership and the team’s tenacity.

Legendary Figures in UAB Blazers History

The history of the UAB Blazers is adorned with legendary figures, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the team’s legacy. Aside from Coach Gene Bartow, whose influence is indelible, players like Steve Mitchell and coaches like Mike Anderson have played pivotal roles. Their contributions, both on and off the court, have shaped the Blazers into a powerhouse of NCAA basketball.

A Game to Remember

Among the many memorable games in UAB’s history, the victory over third-seeded Iowa State in the 2015 NCAA Tournament stands out. This game, emblematic of the Blazers’ fighting spirit and skill, saw them triumph against overwhelming odds, leaving an indelible mark in the annals of NCAA basketball.

UAB Blazers 2024 Schedule

Regular Season

Week	Date	Opponent	Result
Week 1	Date: Mon 06/11/2023	Opponent: Bradley Braves	Result: L 71-73
Week 1	Date: Fri 10/11/2023	Opponent: Clemson Tigers	Result: L 76-77
Week 1	Date: Sun 12/11/2023	Opponent: Maryland Terrapins	Result: W 66-63
Week 2	Date: Thu 16/11/2023	Opponent: Alcorn St. Braves	Result: W 80-77
Week 3	Date: Tue 21/11/2023	Opponent: Middle Tennessee St. Blue Raiders	Result: W 58-57
Week 3	Date: Sat 25/11/2023	Opponent: Furman Paladins	Result: W 92-86
Week 4	Date: Tue 28/11/2023	Opponent: McNeese St. Cowboys	Result: L 60-81
Week 4	Date: Fri 01/12/2023	Opponent: Southern Miss Golden Eagles	Result: L 82-85
Week 5	Date: Sat 09/12/2023	Opponent: Arkansas St. Red Wolves	Result: L 68-87
Week 6	Date: Wed 13/12/2023	Opponent: Alabama A&M Bulldogs	Result: W 93-82
Week 6	Date: Sun 17/12/2023	Opponent: Montevallo Falcons	Result: W 92-56
Week 7	Date: Fri 22/12/2023	Opponent: Drake Bulldogs	Result: W 79-78
Week 8	Date: Fri 29/12/2023	Opponent: UNC Asheville Bulldogs	Result: W 90-85
Week 9	Date: Tue 02/01/2024	Opponent: Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners	Result: W 78-76
Week 9	Date: Sun 07/01/2024	Opponent: South Florida Bulls	Result: W 75-71
Week 10	Date: Sun 14/01/2024	Opponent: Florida Atlantic Owls	Result: L 73-86
Week 11	Date: Wed 17/01/2024	Opponent: Tulane Green Wave	Result: W 83-69
Week 11	Date: Sat 20/01/2024	Opponent: East Carolina Pirates	Result: W 69-61
Week 12	Date: Tue 23/01/2024	Opponent: Charlotte 49ers	Result: L 70-76
Week 12	Date: Sun 28/01/2024	Opponent: Memphis Tigers	Result: W 97-88
Week 13	Date: Wed 31/01/2024	Opponent: North Texas Mean Green	Result: W 82-79
Week 13	Date: Sun 04/02/2024	Opponent: Southern Methodist Mustangs	Result: L 69-72
Week 14	Date: Thu 08/02/2024	Opponent: Florida Atlantic Owls	Result: W 76-73
Week 14	Date: Sun 11/02/2024	Opponent: Tulsa Golden Hurricane	Result: W 70-63
Week 15	Date: Sun 18/02/2024	Opponent: North Texas Mean Green	Result: W 71-62
Week 16	Date: Wed 21/02/2024	Opponent: Rice Owls	Result: L 71-94
Week 16	Date: Sun 25/02/2024	Opponent: Tulane Green Wave	Result: W 78-67
Week 17	Date: Wed 28/02/2024	Opponent: Wichita St. Shockers	Result: L 66-74
Week 17	Date: Sun 03/03/2024	Opponent: Memphis Tigers	Result: L 87-106
Week 18	Date: Thu 07/03/2024	Opponent: Temple Owls	Result: W 100-72
Week 18	Date: Sun 10/03/2024	Opponent: Southern Methodist Mustangs	Result: W 74-70

Post Season

Week	Date	Opponent	Result
Conf. Tournament	Date: Fri 15/03/2024	Opponent: Wichita St. Shockers	Result: W 72-60
Conf. Tournament	Date: Sat 16/03/2024	Opponent: South Florida Bulls	Result: W 93-83
Conf. Tournament	Date: Sun 17/03/2024	Opponent: Temple Owls	Result: W 85-69
NCAA Tournament	Date: Fri 22/03/2024	Opponent: San Diego St. Aztecs	Result: L 65-69

Home of the UAB Blazers: Bartow Arena

Bartow Arena, the home court of the UAB Blazers, is more than just a basketball venue; it’s a fortress of history and tradition. With a seating capacity of 8,508, the arena offers an electric atmosphere that energizes players and intimidates visiting teams. Named after the legendary Coach Gene Bartow, the arena is a physical manifestation of the Blazers’ storied past and a beacon of their bright future.